In Photos: The Great Blackout of 2003

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Ten years ago today, New York City and a large swath of the Northeast (and Ontario) lost power. At the time, it was the largest blackout in North American history and the second-largest blackout anywhere, ever. The power wouldn’t be fully restored to New York for two days — a length of time that looks downright quaint, in retrospect, when compared with last year’s Hurricane Sandy blackout. Still, that first day, as sweaty commuters struggled to get home without mass transportation, was one stressful, weird, hot (and actually kind of fun?)day.

It was not at all fun for the people who were stranded in Manhattan, like these folks in Grand Central who got tired of standing for a train that wasn’tcoming.

Photo: Paul Hawthorne/WireImage

But if they were lucky, they could find some pretty cheapbeers.

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

David Eisenberg tried to hitch a ride home to LongIsland.

Photo: J. Countess/WireImage

Some people were on the subway when the train just … stopped. And never started again. They got off andwalked.

Photo: Todd Maisel/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Did you know traffic lights run on electricity? Well, they do. You probably should have known that. Anyway, this guy volunteered to help out at an intersection inBrooklyn.

Photo: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis

The subway was definitely not working, and this MTA employee sat at the entrance in case the pink tape was not enough of awarning.

Photo: Jason Nevader/WireImage

With no subway, no LIRR, and not nearly enough taxis for everyone, a lot of people just walked…

Photo: Robin Platzer/FilmMagic

… and walked andwalked.

Photo: Peter Turnley/Corbis

Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz was, obviously, there to great constituents as they crossed the BrooklynBridge.

Photo: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis

Some people walked with candles in cups, as if participating in a vigil. Maybe it was kind of a vigil … for electricity?

Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Others were like, “Hey, this seems like a good time for aparade?”

Photo: Piotr Redlinski/Corbis

Not everybody was enjoying themselves. These commuters were stuck outside Grand Central Terminal late into the night. They never left. They’re actually still there today, sitting on thesidewalk.

Photo: John Roca/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

These tourists slept on the sidewalk. Tell all your friends about NewYork!

Photo: Mike Albans/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

And yet, spirits remained high. Peachy Garcis, for example, was pumped about finally having an excuse to take a shower in thestreet.